In 1994, Jaguar pulled the wraps off the ‘new’ XJ6 – a car that was essentially a heavily facelifted version of the model before it, but which was the first new model to come from Jaguar under Ford’s ownership.
The ‘X300’ was an instant hit, even if it used tried and tested straight-six engines instead of the V8 power plants that Ford had wanted to get ready for the model.
They came a couple of years later, initially in the new XK8 sports car in 4.0-litre form. In 1997, though, they finally found their way into the Jaguar saloon, which also got a nip and tuck of its own to correspond with the arrival of the new engines.
Codenamed X308, the new V8-powered models also ushered in a new 3.2-litre version of the V8 powerplant first seen in the XK8.
External differences were minor - new oval indicator lamps, a more curvaceous radiator grille, circular fog lamps and softer-edged bumpers front and rear, with less chrome.
The new engines were built by Ford at its engine plant in Bridgend, South Wales, making the XJ8 an all-British collaboration. The quad cam engines were of all-alloy build and had variable valve timing, fly-by-wire throttle control, and a new five speed automatic gearbox.
But they weren’t reliable to begin with. The nickel-based ‘Nikasil’ cylinder liners in pre-2000 cars would become porous, leading to catastrophic engine failures and multiple warranty claims. Jaguar addressed this by 2000 with steel-liner engines, and these are the ones to go for if you want longevity.
The good news is that this car is one - a 2000 Model Year XJ8 Auto 3.2 in Platinum Silver, with optional black leather and less than 71,000 miles on the clock.
W774 UGU has spent most of its life in and around London and has covered 70,797 miles from new – an average of around 3,200 miles a year, backed up by its VOSA MOT history that shows a steady but small mileage increase year on year.
It has had five previous owners in total, but until 2021 had only had three – two of the more recent keepers have been in the motor trade.
Supplied with the Jaguar is its original black leather service wallet, inside which are an owners’ manual, car phone guide, alarm system handbook, audio manual and maintenance book.
There’s no service record to speak of as this has been lost, but the car has very recently had a full oil service by the vendor’s preferred garage and the mileage is verified by its VOSA MOT history.
The car has a current MOT valid until August 2022, for which it received advisories for minor corrosion that have since been rectified. It also has a UK V5C registration document issued last year.
Finished in rare and unusual Platinum Silver, a brighter alternative to many of the dark hues used on XJs, the X308 is in good overall condition bodily. It’s very smart from every angle and there are no major issues that jump out at you.
The paint is in tidy condition with no obvious defects, though a couple of the panels have been painted and show a slight mismatch if caught in bright sunlight. It’s barely noticeable, though.
It also features a matching set of desirable ‘Celtic’ alloy wheels – one of the most popular designs from later X308 models.
One thing that will really sell this car is its charming cabin – trimmed in black leather with matching door cards and dash, it has dark maple veneers and a really charming appearance that exudes class.
It has a gentle patina, but this adds to its charm – there’s no major wear or damage anywhere to be seen and heavy wear areas such as the central armrest and driver’s side seat bolster are in good order, though the bolster does have some scuff marks from the seatbelts.
This one has the advantage of optional sports seats with chunkier bolsters, based on those found in the supercharged XJR. The original Jaguar radio cassette works and is linked to a D changer system in the boot, while the air conditioning also appears to work.
Most of the horror stories relating to the Jaguar V8 engine only apply to pre-2000 models which have the Nikasil linings. Later cars, such as this one, are generally pretty tough. This one idles smoothly, shows good oil pressure, holds a steady temperature and has no timing chain rattle so we can’t see any areas of concern.
With less than 71,000 miles on the clock, this one runs and sounds great with no known faults.
The vendor reports that it drives really well with no steering, suspension or brake issues, a smooth gear change and lively performance for the smaller V8.
There’s been a surge of interest of late in 1980s and 1990s Jaguars and that extends to the X308 models from the turn of the century, which are rapidly gathering interest as usable, enjoyable modern classics – helped, no doubt, by their beautiful styling.
This is a smart and usable low mileage example that has a couple of very minor cosmetic area that you may want to sort out, but is solid, smart and clean with a strong engine, low mileage and genuinely lovely interior. It’s an extremely handsome thing and represents a lot of car for the money.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Please see our FAQs
here
and our Terms & Conditions
here
Auction Details
Year2000
MakeJaguar
ModelXJ8 3.2 (X308)
ColourSilver
Mileage70,797 Miles
Engine size3248
Seller TypePrivate
CountyLondon
CountryUnited Kingdom
Auction ends
Bidding history
36
bids
Te••••£3,60011/04/22
ge••••£3,50011/04/22
Te••••£3,40011/04/22
ge••••£3,30011/04/22
Te••••£3,20011/04/22
ge••••£3,10011/04/22
Te••••£3,00011/04/22
Te••••£2,90011/04/22
ge••••£2,80011/04/22
Te••••£2,70011/04/22
ge••••£2,60011/04/22
Te••••£2,50011/04/22
Te••••£2,40011/04/22
ge••••£2,30011/04/22
Te••••£2,20011/04/22
Ju••••£2,10011/04/22
pe••••£2,00011/04/22
pe••••£1,90011/04/22
Ju••••£1,80011/04/22
pe••••£1,70007/04/22
Ev••••£1,60007/04/22
pe••••£1,50006/04/22
Ra••••£1,40006/04/22
pe••••£1,30006/04/22
Ev••••£1,20006/04/22
pe••••£1,10006/04/22
Ev••••£1,00006/04/22
pe••••£90006/04/22
Ev••••£80006/04/22
pe••••£70006/04/22
Ev••••£60006/04/22
pe••••£50006/04/22
Ev••••£40006/04/22
Ev••••£30006/04/22
ki••••£20006/04/22
Ev••••£10006/04/22
The Gallery
The safest way to buy a classic car online
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
NO RESERVE - 2000 Jaguar XJ8 3.2
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.
